Prairie State Group purchases in-line printing system from PCMC

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) has announced the introduction of its 10-color, 26-inch-wide R/evolution in-line narrow web printing system. The next generation of its successful Evolution press, the R/evolution provides an overhead web path for better operator access and offers clients the ability to configure the press with any combination of four- and two-color press sections.

The first R/evolution was recently purchased by longtime PCMC customer, Prairie State Group of Franklin Park, Ill., which also purchased PCMC’s first Evolution press in 2002. As specialists in flexible packaging using a narrow web format, Prairie State represents the primary target client for the redesigned R/evolution.

‘We wanted to continue to aggressively pursue narrow web flexible packaging with a focus on high-end graphics and quick turnaround,’ explained Dan Doherty, vice president of operations at Prairie State. ‘I have worked with my partners—Rick Heinzen, president, and Graham Redding, executive vice president of sales and marketing—to develop product lines focused on satisfying customer needs that may have been neglected by some of our competition. We feel the Evolution and now the R/evolution is the right piece of equipment at the right time.’

By utilizing its existing Vision G technology, PCMC has leveraged its core strengths from a known successful printing platform, which will mean more resources to serve the R/evolution product line. The R/evolution can also be considered a ‘crossover’ machine for customers who utilize wide or narrow web presses.

‘The Prairie State order was an important vote of confidence, loyalty and trust in our team and our abilities as a company,’ said Andy Gillis, product development manager in PCMC’s Printing, Coating & Laminating—Mid & Narrow Web division. ‘Our parent company, Barry-Wehmiller, also played a key role in the sale by demonstrating its commitment to this product line.’ Paper Converting CEO Timothy J. Sullivan and Barry-Wehmiller Chairman and CEO Robert H. Chapman both visited Prairie State to discuss the importance of the flexographic printing platform to the future of the combined organization.

‘We are now well-positioned to serve the market with our revitalized R/evolution as well as our 18-inch and 22-inch-wide Webtron presses. Both product lines will allow us to offer our clients different price points as well as different levels of technology for their printing and converting needs,’ Gillis concluded.